Austin Ekeler Fantasy Football Week 13 Scouting Report

Austin Ekeler
RB
, Washington Commanders

Age: 29
Weight: 200 lbs
Height: 5' 9"
College: Western State (CO)

ADP: 95
Depth Chart Ranking: 2

Pts	RuYds	RuTD	Rec	RecYds
94.1	355	4	33	346

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Scouting report

by Pete Behnke

· Sep 05, 2019 · 10:10 PM EDT

LAC RB Austin Ekeler - Week 1 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 1 vs. Indianapolis Colts
In his third season, Austin Ekeler has a golden opportunity to showcase his rushing and pass-catching ability. In 2018, Ekeler rushed for 554 yards and three touchdowns and caught 39 passes for 404 yards and three touchdowns. These numbers don’t stand out on paper because he was the backup to Melvin Gordon who finished as the RB7 in half PPR leagues.

All signs indicate Melvin Gordon will continue his contract holdout into Week 1, which opens the door for Ekeler to shine. During the offseason, the ESPN reported a potential 50/50 split between Ekeler and Justin Jackson but the usage in the preseason indicates a 60/40 split in favor of Ekeler. 4for4’s rankings expert John Paulsen, has Ekeler as the PPR RB14 in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts with a median projection of 16.0 fantasy points. The Colts defense schemes toward playing zone coverage which opens up short passes to running backs. Phillip Rivers has shown a preference for shorts passes to tight ends and running backs which makes Ekeler is a must-start in PPR leagues.

by Bob Harris

· Jul 23, 2019 · 6:48 PM EDT

LAC RB Austin Ekeler - 2019 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside
As CBSSports.com recently pointed out, Austin Ekeler has been wildly efficient as a change-of-pace back behind Melvin Gordon. He's averaged better than 5 yards per carry and more than 10 yards per reception each of his first two seasons in the NFL. He has been one of the rare NFL backups who have fantasy value even with the starter healthy. And if Gordon goes down again -- or if the contract squabble that has Gordon promising a training camp holdout (and requesting a trade if unresolved), Ekeler should become an instant starter.

Fantasy Downside
The concern for fantasy owners will be whether Ekeler actually gets a majority of the workload even if Gordon isn’t available. When Gordon was hurt last year, the Chargers' backfield became another committee between Ekeler and Justin Jackson, and Ekeler's efficiency suffered while Jackson at times looked like the better back. As it stands there is just no guarantee Ekeler, who missed time down the stretch last year due to concussion issues, beats out Jackson for the secondary role, and certainly no guarantee either will be must-start if Gordon goes down. Detrez Newsome, who was impressive last preseason, would also be in the mix here.

2019 Bottom Line
Nonetheless, Ekeler appears to be the best bet to see playing time if Gordon is signed, healthy and on the field. His role as a receiving back and change-of-pace makes him a viable RB3 or Flex option in PPR leagues.

by Steve Andress

· Jan 11, 2019 · 12:39 PM EST

LAC RB Austin Ekeler - Week 19 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 19 at New England Patriots

The Chargers go west to east for the second consecutive week to take on the Patriots in New England with a trip to the AFC Championship game on the line. The Bolts have the second-lowest implied team total of the eight remaining teams, however, at just 21.5 points. New England ranks 15th in aFPA to RBs. However, Melvin Gordon gets most of the volume in this backfield, making Ekeler nothing more than a contrarian play.

by Steve Andress

· Dec 28, 2018 · 11:58 AM EST

LAC RB Austin Ekeler - Week 17 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 17 at Denver Broncos

The Chargers offense will be at full strength in Week 17 with a chance to go from wild-card playoff team to home field advantage and playing against a potential lame duck coach in Denver's Vance Joseph. This is an offense to trust in the final week of the regular season, with an implied team total of 24 after being installed in Vegas as 6-point favorites. Nevermind that the Broncos are ranked third in aFPA to RBs, because Melvin Gordon is averaging 19 touches per game and 23 PPR points per game. That's the reason Austin Ekeler should not be a starting consideration in Week 17.

by Steve Andress

· Dec 07, 2018 · 9:48 AM EST

LAC RB Austin Ekeler - Week 14 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 14 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Chargers face one of, if not, the worst defenses in the league at this point in the season this week. Los Angeles has an implied team total of 31 points. Only the Saints implied total is higher. The Bengals are dead last in aFPA to RBs. This all sounds perfect for Chargers backs, but we have a curve ball this week. With Melvin Gordon out and the coaching staff saying Austin Ekeler is fatigued from having to play special teams and early downs, we expect Justin Jackson to take over on early downs, with Ekeler going back to his change of pace role. In a prime match-up, both are FLEX options with Jackson more valuable in standard and Ekeler retaining PPR value.

by Steve Andress

· Nov 30, 2018 · 11:11 AM EST

LAC RB Austin Ekeler - Week 13 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 13 at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Chargers have an average implied team total of just over 24 points this week, but with negative game script expected as a road underdog, and Melvin Gordon out this week with a knee injury, Austin Ekeler should step into an RB1 opportunity in Week 13. In the one game Gordon missed this season, Ekeler scored 11.8 PPR points despite the Chargers playing a season-low 44 offensive snaps, with Ekeler seeing 17 touches and playing 96 percent of snaps. Consider that his floor in Week 13.

by Steve Andress

· Nov 23, 2018 · 11:31 AM EST

LAC RB Austin Ekeler - Week 12 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 12 vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Chargers have an implied team total of 28 points, an attractive projection. This is also a run funnel defense that the Chargers will face, increasing the likelihood of Austin Ekeler having enough positive game script to challenge for FLEX worthy numbers. That depends on touches though, as he had more touches last week than his previous two games behind. If Ekeler can reach his season average of eight touches per game, he will be on the FLEX radar for Week 12 with a decent chance at a touchdown. However, Ekeler's volume volatility always makes him a bust candidate.